On Wednesday, the Hawaii Senate approved a significant medical marijuana bill, allowing healthcare providers to recommend cannabis for any condition they believe it may help. The Senate voted 24-1 in favor of House Bill 302, introduced by Rep. Gregg Takayama (D).
This proposal aims to clarify state law by removing the requirement that doctors must conduct an initial in-person consultation before recommending medical marijuana. Amendments made by Senate committees last month now permit providers to recommend cannabis for any condition deemed beneficial by a physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Currently, medical marijuana can only be recommended for specific ailments listed by the state.
The bill would redefine “debilitating medical condition” to include “any condition determined by the certifying physician or advanced practice registered nurse to be appropriate for the medical use of cannabis.” This change could increase access for patients suffering from conditions not previously recognized by state officials.
The Senate did not discuss the bill prior to the vote, with the only opposing voice being Sen. Brenton Awa (R). This move aligns with Governor Josh Green’s (D) plan announced last year to broaden access to medical marijuana, especially after the legislature did not pass recreational legalization measures. The governor emphasized that this will make marijuana more accessible to those who choose to use it while ensuring safety for children.
Governor Green also reiterated his support for full recreational legalization, stating, “I think for adults who can responsibly use marijuana, it should be legal.” However, the state Department of Health expressed concerns over the expansion of medical marijuana recommendations. They noted that there is limited scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabis for conditions beyond those currently listed. The Department raised alarms about potential risks to patient safety and adverse drug interactions.
To address these concerns, the Department recommended that only a patient’s treating provider should certify patients for nonspecified conditions, although lawmakers have not adopted this suggestion. Additionally, the Hawai’i Alliance for Cannabis Reform (HACR) opposed a provision in the bill that would create a new Class C felony for operating a dispensary without a license.
Despite these concerns, HACR acknowledged that HB 302 would facilitate easier consultations for Hawaii residents seeking medical cannabis, helping them qualify for and enroll in the state’s medical cannabis program. Following the Senate’s passage, the bill will return to the House, where lawmakers will review the Senate’s amendments, including the expansion of qualifying conditions. Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, encouraged representatives to approve the changes.
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